GB2509043A - Sleep mask - Google Patents

Abstract

A sleep mask 1 is characterized in that it has at least one outwardly projecting convex/concave part/portion 4 sized, shaped and positioned such that it provides a space suitable for accommodating the fully extended eyelashes of the wearer when the eye is either open or closed. The part/portion may comprise two cups or a single horizontal recess and the/each part/portion may be formed from a moulded, structured, nontoxic breathable and flexible material. A means for securing the mask to a wearers head (e.g. an elastic type material, VelcroTM, an adjustable strap or ribbon) may furthermore be provided.

Description

Sleep Mask This invention relates to a sleep mask designed specifically for people with long eyelashes.

Many people wear conventional sleep masks over their eyes at night to block out light and aid restful sleep.

The use of a conventional sleep mask by people with long eyelashes or wearers of false eyelashes can present problems. People with long or false eyelashes often find they cannot wear a conventional sleep mask as conventional masks lie flat across the eye area, pressing and flattening longer eyelashes against the face. This can prove uncomfortable for those with long eyelashes or false eyelashes which project outwards. False eyelashes are often stiffened for cosmetic effect and durability. As a result of this, conventional sleep masks can also ruin the shape and effect of false eyelashes a feature which people have paid specifically for.

This invention is a sleep mask designed specifically for wearers of false eyelashes or those with naturally long eyelashes to address the issues identified above.

The invention relates to a sleep mask characterised in that it has at least one concave/convex (depending on the perspective from which it is viewed) outwardly projecting part of a size and shape and in a position such that it provides a space suitable for accommodating the eyelashes of the wearer. It is also provided with a means for securing the sleep mask to the wearer.

The unique features of this invention are convex cups that project outwards. The cups or recess area is moulded from a structured, non-toxic, breathable and tiexible material that rest gently over the wearers eyes. These outward facing cups surround and protect longer eyelashes without flattening them against the face.

In doing so they; 1. Block out light to aid restful sleep 2. Provide structured outward facing support around the eye to protect the shape of false eyelashes 3. Accommodate long lashes by extending outwards, creating space so they are not uncomfortably flattened against the face ovemight The mask looks and functions like a conventional sleep mask. Wearers will be familiar with the product type and its conventional use. However the unique features and benefits of wearing it with long or false eye lashes as a result of the convex cups/recess is original. 2

* The main_features of this product arc the convex cups or recess that covers the eye socket and eye lashes.

* The advantage of this is eyelashes are not flattened against the face overnight.

* The benefits for the wearer are; 1. The look and shape of false eyelashes are maintained, adding value as they can be worn for longer periods of time 2. Increased comfort for those with naturally long eye lashes as well as false eyelash wearers as their eyelashes are not flattened against their face as with conventional sleep masks 3. Improved quality of sleep, as with a conventional sleep mask light is blocked out The convex cups (or possibly single horizontal recess) that covers the eye area are soft and flexible yet structured. A non-toxic and flexible material for the cups is required for the internal base of the mask. For example it could typically be constructed by an internal plastic injection -possibly silicone or a reinforced fabric.

Typical dimensions for the cups or recess area could be at least 30mm deep and 70mm across for each eye. The complete mask itself could be at least 200mm across. This can be refined during prototype tests and alternative sizes could be produced according to demand at a later date.

The headband to secure the mask to the wearer's head could be made from an elastic type material, VelcroTM, adjustable strap or ribbon.

There are at least two ways the mask could be constructed. The preferred method can be determined at a later design stage following prototype testing.

Two part mask 1. An internal plastic injection is moulded from a soft flexible, non-toxic and breathable material with cut outs over the eye area.

2. Two convex outward facing cups constructed from the same material as the internal injection arc moulded, and then attached to the mask over the cuts outs over the eye area..

3. A layer of cushioning or wadding material is laid, attached and secured to the internal plastic injection on the side which will rest against the wearer's face.

4. The whole construction is then covered in a soil fabric material and attached together 5. A strip of elastic type material is attached to either side of the mask so that it can secure itself freely around the wearer's head. 3

One part mask 1. An internal plastic injection with convex cups projecting outwards over the eye area is moulded from a single piece of soft flexible, non-toxic and breathable material.

2. A layer of cushioning or wadding material is laid, attached and secured to the internal plastic injection on the side which will rest against the wearer's face.

3. The whole construction is then covered in a soft fabric material and attached together 4. A strip of elastic type material is attached to either side of the mask so that it can secure itself freely around the wearer's head.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows the front elevation of the complete sleep mask, the headband and internal plastic injection.

Figure 2: Shows the reverse elevation of the sleep mask, the internal plastic injection, outward facing eye cups and the headband.

Figure 3: Shows a side elevation of the mask, the convex eye cups and headband.

Figure 4: Shows a side elevation and cross section of the sleep mask. The internal flexible plastic injection moulding is visible.

Figure 1 shows a complete sleep mask 1, a headband 2 attached to either end to secure it to the wearer while in use and the internal plastic injection 3. The exterior of the mask as shown may be constructed from soft fabrics and padded internally with cushion type materials for comfort. The headband could be a single piece of elastic material. The internal plastic injection 3 can be made from a non toxic, flexible plastic type material structured to provide comfort while worn as well as support around the eye socket for longer eye lashes.

Figure 2 shows the reverse elevation of the complete sleep mask 1. The headband to attach it to the wearer is shown in 2. The internal plastic injection 3 with convex eye cups 4 is also shown.

The eye cups/recess is a unique and original feature of the sleep mask. Providing outward facing support around the eyes and so allowing wearers with extended eyelashes space and support for their lashes around the eye. Traditional sleep masks are usually a single piece of material secured around the head to lie flat across the face and block out light however, the convex eyecups as shown in 4 protrude outwards so this sleep mask does not lie flat across the eye area.

Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the complete sleep mask 1, with the headband to secure the mask to the wearer 2 to the rear of it. The internal plastic injection 3 is shown in side profile.

Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the sleep mask plus depth. The internal plastic injection 3 and convex eye cups 4 can be seen. The internal base and eye cups are moulded from a single piece of plastic injection moulding. An alternative embodiment of Figure 4 (not shown) could be a two part internal plastic injection, with Lhe convex eye cups/recess and sleep mask base moulded as two separate pieces and attached together before being covered with the outer materials.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1. A sleep mask characterised in that it has at least one outwardly projecting part of a size and shape and in a position such that it provides a space suitable for accommodating the filly extended eyelashes of the wearer when the eye is either open or closed.
2. 2. A sleep mask according to claim 1, in which the concave/convex outwardly projecting part comprises two cups.
3. 3. A sleep mask according to claim 1, in which the outwardly projecting part comprises a single horizontal recess.
4. 4. A sleep mask according to claim I, in which the concave/convex outwardly projecting part is a moulded, structured, non-toxic, breathable and flexible material to rest over the wearers eyes.
5. 5. A sleep mask according to any of the claims ito 3, in which the outwardly projecting part is formed by an internal structure.
6. 6. A sleep mask according to any one of claims ito 5, which includes means for securing it : * * tothewearershead.V
7. 7. A sleep mask according to claim 6, in which the means for securing it to the wearers head comprises an elastic type material, VelcroTM, adjustable strap or ribbon.
8. 8. A sleep mask according to any of the preceding claims, in which the outwardly projecting * part surrounds the wearers' eyes and as a result blocks out light so aiding restful sleep. 3O

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9. 9. A sleep mask substantially as hereinbefore described. ** V
10. 10. A sleep mask substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.